Omaha donates ambulances and equipment Xalapa, Mexico

Representatives from Omaha’s Sister City Xalapa, Mexico were in the city today to accept a donation of lifesaving gifts. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert says the donation includes four ambulances, seven “Jaws of Life” tools and several self-contained breathing apparatus harnesses.

Mayor Stothert says, “The Omaha Fire Department is pleased to provide this emergency response and medical equipment to Xalapa. As leaders of our city we are responsible for the safety of our citizens and our guests. The equipment that we are donating today has served the people of Omaha very well and now the city of Xalapa will have access to these lifesaving tools.”

Xalapa Mayor Americo Zuniga Martinez made the trip to Omaha to accept the donations. Zuniga Martinez says, “The Omaha Fire Department is not only a group of heroes in Omaha but they are now a group of heroes in Mexico. We would like to say thanks to all the people in Omaha for this example of generosity and solidarity with their sister city Xalapa.”

Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern de Mexico Railroads will provide the logistics and transportation free of charge for the over 2,000 mile rail journey from Omaha to Xalapa. Two uni-level rail cars were specially modified to transport vehicles of this size and each will carry two ambulances.